Although still very much an event for Elliot Lake residents, next weekend’s Kraft Hockeyville event includes some opportunities for Greater Sudburians to glimpse NHL greatness.
The big pre-season game, between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators, will take place on Sept. 29 at the Sudbury Community Arena beginning at 7 p.m.
Prior to that, NHL players will arrive at the arena from Grey Street, with the Senators slated to arrive at approximately 8:30 a.m. and the Penguins arriving at around 9:30 a.m.
Both these are “public red carpet” arrivals.
Mainly ticketed events follow through the balance of the day, though Senators will be answering questions from local students at 11:30 a.m., and the Penguins will be hosting a similar question-and-answer with students at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets to the day’s series of events, which include the 7 p.m. pre-season NHL game, will largely go to Elliot Lake residents, with tickets distributed through such organizations as Elliot Lake Minor Hockey and the Elliot Lake Figure Skating Club.
That said, a small percentage of tickets will be allotted to Sudbury Minor Hockey and other organizations at the discretion of the Elliot Lake Local Organizing Committee.
The event is mainly geared toward Elliot Lake residents because, despite its venue, it’s an Elliot Lake event.
The community won the top spot in this year’s Kraft Hockeyville contest in March, which included not only the NHL game but also $250,000 toward replacing their aging Centennial Arena.
The Elliot Lake arena was not suitable for the game, which resulted in the Sudbury Community Arena being selected.
The Elliot Lake Local Organizing Committee noted in a media release that they’d aim to ensure as many people as possible get to enjoy Kraft Hockeyville.
“While we know we can never reach everyone, our focus has remained on including as many local youth as possible,” they noted.
Invited guests include two tickets for every student in Elliot Lake to receive tickets for a NHL player practice on Sunday. Game tickets are being distributed through various Elliot Lake organizations, plus a handful for other area community hockey organizations.
A public draw open to Elliot Lake residents was also scheduled to take place.
The following is the schedule of Kraft Hockeyville events, which a media release issued by the organization notes are subject to change.
Thursday, Sept. 26
- 12:45-1:45 p.m. - The Stanley Cup will be at Elliot Lake Secondary School. This event is closed to the public.
Friday, Sept. 27
- 12:05-1:05 p.m. - The Stanley Cup will be at the Elliot Lake Fire Station. This event will be open to first responders and their families, and a vintage fire truck will be on display.
- 3-6 p.m. - An Elliot Lake community celebration event will take place at 120 Hillside Dr. N, including food and games. NHL alumni Andrew Ference and Bryan Trottier will sign autographs. The Stanley Cup will be on public display.
Sunday, Sept. 29
- 8:30 a.m. - Ottawa Senators will arrive at the Sudbury Community Arena at Grey Street. This “red carpet” event is open to the public.
- 9:30 a.m. - Pittsburgh Penguins players will arrive at the Sudbury Community Arena at Grey Street. This “red carpet” event is open to the public.
- 10:15-11:15 a.m. - An Senators game-day skate will take place at the Sudbury Community Arena. This is a ticketed event.
- 11:15-11:30 a.m. - A Senators question-and-answer period will take place at the arena featuring local students. It’ll be hosted by former Sudbury Wolves play-by-play announcer Rob Faulds. This is a ticketed event.
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - A Penguins game-day skate will take place at the Sudbury Community Arena. This is a ticketed event.
- 12:30-12:45 p.m. - A Penguins question-and-answer period will take place at the arena featuring local students. It’ll be hosted by former Sudbury Wolves play-by-play announcer Rob Faulds. This is a ticketed event.
- 7 p.m. - A Pittsburgh Penguins versus Ottawa Senators pre-season game will take place at the Sudbury Community Arena. This is a ticketed event.
